People are invited to share their memories of the 2009 floods in Cockermouth and the aftermath for a new theatre project.
Local writer and producer Jamie Walsh is inviting people with a connection to the town to take part in the early creative research for The Flood.
Set a year after the 2009 floods, the play takes place during the 2010 Christmas light switch-on when rumours spread that Take That were secretly in town to perform their new single, The Flood.
Using humour, everyday detail and recognisable moments, the project looks at what life in the town felt like after Cockermouth briefly became national
news and then quietly carried on.
Jamie grew up in Cockermouth and went to school there. He was 16 when the floods happened and is now developing the project through conversations, memories
and contributions from local people.
People with any kind of connection to Cockermouth are invited to share memories, anecdotes or experiences – written or as voice notes – via an online form.
Contributions can be as long or as short as participants like and do not need to focus on anything personal.
Jamie said: “I’m interested in the ordinary stuff people remember. The gossip, the jokes, the awkward moments and the things that were happening alongside everything else.
“For a long time I wasn’t sure if I’d misremembered the rumour about Take That being in town on the one-year anniversary.
“But over the years I’ve laughed about it with my dad and friends, and I like the idea that it can be an absurd jumping-off point for other stories and memories.
“This development stage is about having lots of conversations and gathering material.
“There’s no right way to contribute. I’d love to hear from as many people as possible to help build a picture of what Cockermouth was like during and after the floods.”
Contributions to the research will be treated with care and used anonymously unless contributors choose otherwise, Jamie added.
If the project receives Arts Council England funding, it will move into a longer development phase from spring, including workshops, discussion groups and other creative activities in Cockermouth.
But there is no expectation to be involved beyond the research stage.
The Flood is supported by Everywhere Everything Everyone CIC, Theatre by the Lake and Kirkgate Arts.
To take part in the research, visit smalltalkproductions.co.uk/theflood
To chat to Jamie directly, email [email protected]
The deadline for contributions is Monday April 13 at 7pm.
